G-12-03-22-10C2 - 3/22/2012 ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF
ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, CODIFIED UNDER SECTION 46.8, CODE OF
ORDINANCES (2010 EDITION), CITY OF ROUND ROCK, TEXAS, TO
AMEND CHAPTER 6; AND PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE
AND REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROUND ROCK,
TEXAS:
I.
That Chapter 6: Future Land Use of the General Plan 2020, adopted in Section
46-8, Code of Ordinances (2010 Edition), City of Round Rock, Texas, is hereby
amended and replaced in its entirety. Exhibit A is hereby adopted as Chapter 6 of the
City of Round Rock General Plan 2020 setting forth the features of the Future Land Use
Plan for the City of Round Rock, Texas as herein provided; and each and all of the
provisions, conditions and terms of said Exhibit A are hereby referred to, adopted, and
made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this ordinance.
II.
A. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, or resolutions in conflict herewith are
expressly repealed.
B. The invalidity of any section or provision of this ordinance shall not
invalidate other sections or provisions thereof.
C. The City Council hereby finds and declares that written notice of the date,
hour, place and subject of the meeting at which this Ordinance was adopted was posted
and that such meeting was open to the public as required by law at all times during
which this Ordinance and the subject matter hereof were discussed, considered and
O:\wdox\SCClnts\0112\1204\MUNICEPA000245596 DOC
formally acted upon, all as required by the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas
Government Code, as amended.
Alternative 1.
By motion duly made, seconded and passed with an affirmative vote of all the
Council members present, the requirement for reading this ordinance on two separate
days was dispensed with.
READ, PASSED, and ADOPTED on first reading this 22m— day of
M&on 2012.
Alternative 2.
READ and APPROVED on first reading this the day of
, 2012.
READ, APPROVED and ADOPTED on second reading this the day of
2012. ()
m
ALAN MCGRAW, Mayor
City of Round Rock, Texas
ATTEST:
Crit. Kt*
SARA L. WHITE, City Clerk
2
EXHIBIT
„A„
Future land Use
Strategic Plan Basis
Highest Priority
1. Provide a range of employment, housing and lifestyle choices attractive to a
diverse range of young professionals,students and empty nesters, as well as
families.
2. Improve City's aesthetics,development and redevelopment quality,and
sustainability.
3. Support growth and expansion of the business clusters of destination retail, supply
chain management, health care, higher education,corporate office and computer
technology.
4. Identify and plan for future connectivity and mobility needs and options.
Priority
1. Protect and preserve the natural areas of the City to include parks,floodplains and
open spaces.
2. Foster transportation systems that would support the development of major
density centers.
3. Ensure there is adequate land to meet future recreational, cultural and open space
needs.
Public Input Basis
1. Strong support for mixed-use development in certain areas of the City.
2. Strong support for promoting land uses that foster a more diversified local
economy.
1IPage
Introduction
Chapter Theme
Determining how land will be used in the future is essential in order to provide for well
coordinated and efficient development. Land use considerations both effect and are affected
by the location of transportation corridors and water and wastewater utilities. Existing land
uses and historical patterns of development, including the development that has occurred
since the last General Plan,also have a significant effect on future land uses.The Future
Land Use Map(FLUM -see Figure 6.2 foldout map at the end of this chapter),which
illustrates the general location and amount of a variety of land use types within the current
City limits and Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ),guides both zoning and infrastructure
decisions.The map also indicates various land use types such as residential,commercial,
industrial,and open space,and is shaped partly by City policies related to land development.
Some of these policies are contained in separately adopted plans which are referenced in
this document.Overall,the FLUM is a generalized representation of the future land uses for
Round Rock and is not intended to be parcel specific.The FLUM is not a zoning ordinance.
Discussion
Assumptions
This document's future land use section is based upon certain assumptions about
conditions which will continue to exist throughout the life of this document.Some of these
assumptions are based upon conditions which are not within the control of the City or its
residents.Others reflect policy direction from other City plans, including the Strategic Plan.
The following list of assumptions includes only those related to the City's future land uses:
• Round Rock will continue to transform into a prosperous midsize city,strengthening
its role as a major center of economic activity in Williamson County and the Austin
area.
21 Page
• Higher education campuses, hospitals,and destination retail facilities will play a
major role in Round Rock's future growth and development.
• The existing character of the community will be maintained and improved.The
established land use patterns and community profile,as detailed in Chapter 5,
Existing Land Use, provide the foundation for the FLUM.
• Mixed-use development,which includes a variety of land uses on one site,will
continue to be utilized as an alternative development type to auto-dependent, single use
developments. Currently,the only mixed-use zoning district is MU-1a,which
was custom designed for southwest downtown,and is not generally applicable to all
mixed-use districts. Until the land development codes are amended to incorporate
the type of mixed-use development that is deemed appropriate for other areas of
Round Rock,the Planned Unit Development(PUD)zoning district will be used on
a case by case basis.
• The transportation system that serves Round Rock will continue to be integral to
the City's economic growth.The City's Transportation Plan includes an arterial
roadway system adequate for future growth and is a vital part of the FLUM.
The FLUM also includes a potential commuter rail link to Capital Metro's new
commuter rail system and a proposed commuter rail line that would run through
Round Rock,and which would extend through Austin and down to San Antonio.
While these links are not feasible today,they are identified for future planning.
• The Round Rock Downtown Master Plan will provide the policy direction for the
development of the City's core.
• Game Plan 2020:Building an Active Community will provide the policy direction
for the City's open space and park resources.
• New or proposed uses shall be evaluated against the goals and objectives of all
3 1 P a g e
adopted City plans.
• Conflicts between land use activities will be minimized;this includes the protection
of single-family residential areas from higher intensity uses.
• The FLUM is not parcel specific and provides an opportunity for the City to remain
flexible in dealing with matters of community design.Through this flexibility,
creativity and diversity in land use planning will be encouraged.
Initiatives to Shape the Future
Section Theme
Several land use initiatives will be very important to strengthen Round Rock's quality of life
and economic vitality,as envisioned in the Strategic Plan.These initiatives will be used to
shape the future of Round Rock.
Discussion
Economic Development Trends
Attracting desirable businesses and industries to Round Rock is a major community goal.
The City cannot provide the services that its citizens expect without a healthy and robust
commercial tax base. Round Rock's citizens have been fortunate to have had such a tax
base with the presence of Dell and destination retail. Given the ever-changing nature of
the economy, however, City leaders are well aware of the need to diversify the tax base.
Overall,the latest job trends have pointed to an emphasis on creativity and "human capital."
This emphasis is best illustrated in Round Rock by the location of several new hospitals and
higher education campuses in the northeast section of the City.
Round Rock's economic development efforts are targeting health care and biotechnology,
continued retail growth,computer systems development,corporate offices,operations and
support services, and clean energy.
41 Page
Mixed-Use
Mixed-use is a term which describes several different land uses within one area,or within
one building. Prior to the massive population growth it has experienced since 1970, Round
Rock was a small,compact, and pedestrian-oriented city.With its proximity to Austin and
IH-35, and with the increased use of the automobile,the City has grown into a network
of areas defined by single land uses,connected by a hierarchical street system.The most
recent trends in urban planning and land development have focused on reducing the need
for auto-dependence by emphasizing mixed-use development.While it is not expected that
mixed-use development will become the predominant development type across the City,
it is expected that it will be a significant alternative to current development types, and is
therefore an important focus on the FLUM.
The results from the General Plan Phone Survey(see Chapter 2, Public Input for more
information)are an important indication that significant public support exists for mixed use
development.Aside from public support, however,there are several emerging issues
that warrant a greater emphasis on mixed-use development.These include allowing
for greater density, reducing commute times, reducing energy consumption, improving
individual health, providing for community cohesiveness, and meeting the demands of the
marketplace.
Round Rock has made efforts to enhance specific areas of the City to provide for mixed use
development.The Southwest Downtown Plan was developed to take advantage of the
city's original,compact infrastructure for this type of pedestrian-oriented development.The
plan established a mixed-use zoning district with design guidelines, including streets and
circulation, parking,civic design, utilities, and drainage.The plan was adopted by the City
Council in February of 2005.A portion of the street, sidewalk,and drainage improvements
envisioned by the plan have been completed and a significant amount of new development
51 Page
has occurred. In addition,the City has built several municipal facilities in the southwest
downtown area and has plans to build more.
Thus far,the most ambitious attempt at promoting mixed-use development has been the
proposal for the Avery family property in the City's northeast section.The Avery Centre
project is the result of a proposal by the landowners to develop approximately 900 acres
with an extensive mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood, anchored by medical and
academic facilities,and potentially serviced by mass-transit.The plan, adopted as a PUD
by the City Council in 2008, contains unique street design standards, building setbacks,
and mixed-use districts, including a mixed-use "city center."The street design includes
bike lanes that are separated from the road and roadway crossings, and which are designed
specifically with pedestrian safety and comfort in mind. With the location of several higher
education campuses and hospital facilities immediately adjacent,the Avery Centre project is
expected to become a significant focus of development and community activity in the future.
Transit Initiatives
Efforts to establish commuter rail service to downtown Austin have begun to make progress
in recent years. In 2004,Capital Metro received voter approval for a commuter rail line
between Leander and downtown Austin. In response, Round Rock, in cooperation with
Georgetown, has studied the feasibility of creating a rail link to the Capital Metro line.
Beginning in Georgetown,the proposed 16-mile rail link would travel along the existing
Missouri-Kansas-Texas(MKT) line to the SH-4S corridor before tying into the Capital Metro
line north of the Howard Lane Station and east of the Lakeline Station.The proposed rail
link may also have the potential of serving Pflugerville.
A feasibility report for the rail link was recently completed.The results of this report
conclude that the rail link is not feasible today for a number of reasons.
Colleges and Universities
61 Page
Colleges and universities are typically large landowners in a community, and to fulfill their
mission,they often influence nearby land development.This development activity can
have an impact on the adjacent neighborhoods and even on the entire City. In addition,
students have unique housing and recreational needs.While some colleges and universities
are primarily commuter schools,the potential for students to live in close proximity to the
schools in apartments or single-family neighborhoods should be considered. Nevertheless,
the presence of students can be of great concern to residents due to differences in lifestyles
and the conversion of houses and apartments to student occupancy,often accompanied by
increases in traffic, noise, and parking problems.
The number of unrelated persons living in a single-family residence should be restricted,
within constitutional constraints,to avoid neighborhood deterioration. In addition, special
standards for student apartments should be developed to accommodate student housing in
appropriate locations.
Developing a close working relationship with the schools is the best way to ensure that
student-based issues are satisfactorily addressed.Overall, working together will help to
identify common interests and avoid problems becoming too unwieldy.Other Texas cities
with institutions of higher learning can provide examples of how such collaboration can
occur.
Located within the City limits of Round Rock are the following colleges and universities:
• Austin Art Institute
• Austin Community College
• Texas A&M Health Science Center
• Texas State University
Utility Issues
Land development is limited primarily by the availability of transportation,water,
wastewater, electricity,and communications infrastructure.Within the area served by Round
Rock's water and wastewater system, it is relatively easy to determine the land use potential
71 Page
of a tract of land (the City's water supply system is fully described in Chapter 9,Water&
Wastewater).A portion of the planning area contained in the FLUM, however, is not located
within the City's service area for water and wastewater.Some of this area includes other
water and wastewater service providers(Jonah Water Special Utility District is the largest).
Municipal Utility Districts(MUDS) in the Round Rock area generally have been formed
with a consent agreement that provides for City oversight of MUD land uses so that land
development issues are not a concern.When water and/or wastewater services are within
the sole control of a service provider other than a MUD or the City, development is largely
in the control of the service provider. Most often,these service providers have been
established to provide services for rural development, and they cannot currently provide
the level of service required for urban development.Water and wastewater utility service
providers are typically granted a service area by the State of Texas,giving them the sole
right to provide utility services within a specific geographic area.
When these service areas border the outer edges of Round Rock's planning area,they
affect the City's ability to grow into parts of its ETJ. Land that may be suitable in terms
of location and roadway infrastructure may not easily be developed because of the lack of
water or wastewater utility infrastructure.While efforts can be made to negotiate terms
of service with these utility providers,the lack of adequate service levels in the meantime
can be a significant hindrance to development.Working with the Jonah Water SLID will be
critical for developing the growing northeast area.
Implementation
Section Theme
The FLUM establishes the general distribution, location, and extent of land uses, including
open space, parkland,floodplain, residential, commercial, mixed-use, business park, public
facilities, industrial, and mining.The map is a living document with the flexibility to be
81 Page
amended to reflect changing development trends. The criteria established below for specific land use
categories are intended to provide general direction to policymakers and others responsible for helping
to shape the City's future. Individual zoning changes and original zoning assignments must also meet
the criteria established in the Code of Ordinances.
Discussion
Land Use Cateeories&Location Criteria
1)Open Space
This land use designation applies to areas supporting recreational and open space uses,and
also includes designated floodplain areas. Open space is defined as any parcel,tract of land,
or water feature that is unimproved or developed for recreational purposes.This designation
identifies areas that are scenic in nature or inappropriate for the construction of buildings.
Open space can be improved through the development of recreational trails and other open
space amenities.
Floodplain refers to land adjoining a watercourse or drainage way that is covered by a
specific amount of floodwater in a storm. Floodplains consist of the floodway and other
areas that are subject to inundation.The Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)
sets the standards for floodplain designation.
2)Residential
Residential land use primarily supports tracts with dwelling units.The land itself may be
improved or unimproved.The FLUM has been designed to protect and enhance existing
single-family neighborhoods and to minimize potential land use conflicts that may occur
with future development.
Development permitted in the residential land use category includes:
• Semi-rural single-family housing
• Single-family detached housing
• Two-family housing(duplexes)
• Multi-family housing(with location criteria)
• Neighborhood commercial(with location criteria)
91 Page
• Office (as a transitional use)
Each of these permitted uses must be appropriately located so as to minimize land use
conflicts. Location criteria have been developed for this purpose. Ultimately, a location
decision is made through the zoning process, but the location criteria are intended to provide
general guidance to assist with zoning.
Multi-Family Location Criteria
1. Low Density Multi-Family—within areas designated for residential on the FLUM,this multi-
family land use allows for the compatible development of multi-family units abutting or in close
proximity to single-family uses by means of design standards and a density requirement not to
exceed twelve (12) units per acre. In order to qualify for this density,the following conditions
must be met:
a) Primary access allowed via arterial roadway or collector street;and
b) Direct access to abutting single-family neighborhoods is discouraged unless integrated as
part of a master planned community or as required to implement transportation network
policy objectives;and
c) Low density multi-family developments shall not be located immediately adjacent to other
low density multi-family developments;they must be separated by open space such as
parkland or natural features.
2. Medium Density Multi-Family—within areas designated for residential on the FLUM,this multi-
family land use allows for the development of multi-family units not to exceed twenty(20) units
per acre and 400 units per development. In order to qualify for this density,the following
conditions must be met:
a) Primary access allowed via arterial roadway;and
b) Located near existing or planned commercial nodes(areas of commercial activity); and
c) New medium density multi-family buildings shall be not be located within five hundred
(500)feet of any single-family neighborhood or one-half(1/2) mile of any existing or zoned
medium density or urban multi-family use.
3. Urban Multi-Family—within areas designated as mixed-use or commercial/multi-family on the
FLUM,this multi-family land use allows for the development of high density multi-family units;
exact densities will be determined by means of a Planned Unit Development(PUD). Limited
commercial uses are permitted on the same tract or in the same building as the multi-family
development. In order to qualify for this density,the following conditions must be met:
a) If the tract is located within the downtown mixed-use area, projects must conform to the
Downtown Plan;
b) If the tract is located within the Dell/La Frontera and the Avery Centre mixed-use areas,
projects must be substantiated by a unified development plan;
101 Page
c) Tracts designated for commercial/multi-family are considered appropriate for a mixture of
commercial and multi-family uses and therefore must be substantiated by a unified
development plan or be located within an area containing an appropriate mixture of land
uses.
3)Neighborhood Commercial and Office
Neighborhood commercial development generally serves neighborhood users, and is
designed to address the commercial needs of local residents and office development.Office
development is deemed compatible with neighborhoods because its hours of operation
generally occur during the day, its activities are usually not disruptive to residents,and it can
be used as a transitional use between higher intensity uses and single-family development.
In order to minimize potential land use conflicts between higher intensity land uses and
single-family residential neighborhoods,compatibility standards are included in the City's
Zoning Ordinance.Within areas designated for residential land use,the following criterion
determines appropriate locations for neighborhood commercial development:
The tract is located at the intersection of a collector street and an arterial roadway or at the
intersection of two arterial roadways, and it serves local residents.
4)Commercial
Commercial land use consists of enterprises involved in the buying and selling of goods and
services.The following is a discussion of the types of commercial land uses in the City.
General Commercial location Criteria
General commercial development requires that all commercial activities occur within
an enclosed structure.Some examples of general commercial development include
grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments.Typically, large-scale
commercial developments provide a variety and depth of goods and services not
available in neighborhood shopping areas.The development of such large-scale
projects suggests that commercial businesses within Round Rock are serving not only
111 Page
the local population, but also drawing consumers from an area that extends well beyond
the City's Planning Area.The following criteria determine appropriate locations for
general commercial development:
• The tract is located at the intersection of two arterial roadways.
• The tract is an extension of an established commercial area that does not conflict with
adjacent residential uses.
Although an area which fits this location criterion is to be designated on the FLUM as
commercial, it is.not deemed appropriate for commercial zoning until the necessary
infrastructure, including the arterial roadways, is in place.Though the FLUM is to
be used as a guide for zoning decisions, it does not provide all of the information that
should be taken into consideration in order to make such decisions.
Highway Commercial Location Criteria
Highway commercial development includes all of the uses allowed within the general
commercial category, in addition to uses which serve as regional centers of commerce.
Examples include IKEA and the Round Rock Premium Outlets at the intersection of
IH-35 and University Boulevard and the automobile dealerships near the intersection of
IH-35 and FM 3406/Old Settlers Boulevard.
• The tract has frontage along IH-35, and access to the frontage road.
Special Commercial Location Criteria
There are some special areas identified with particular location and design criteria:
properties with historic,Chisholm Trail and/or Palm Valley overlay zoning, and
properties identified in the Downtown Master Plan.
5)Mixed-Use
The mixed-use category includes properties on which various uses,such as office,
commercial, business park, institutional, and residential, can be combined in a single
building or on a single or adjacent site.The close proximity of the different land uses allows
121 Page
for increased pedestrian use. Mixed-use developments function best when they are located
in areas where transportation infrastructure efficiently provides high traffic volumes, ideally
resulting from public transit. Employment centers or other regional "draws"typically
provide the anchor.
A mixed-use site should be an integrated and functional development project with a
comprehensive physical design.A site may include contiguous properties. Mixed-use is
one method of accommodating the projected increase in population and commerce in Round
Rock while still maintaining high quality development projects.This type of development
offers benefits in energy use and reduces costs associated with the construction and
provision of infrastructure. It also provides a wide range of residential options to address
the needs of the changing demographic nature of the community.
This land use designation is intended to encourage residential development in conjunction
with commercial development or redevelopment. Redevelopment refers to the construction
of new development on previously developed parcels. Higher densities may be appropriate
for locations that are well separated from single-family neighborhoods and located at the
junction of arterial roadways. Mixed-use areas are generally zoned as PUDs. However,
new zoning districts may be needed for specific mixed-use areas.
The FLUM identifies three distinct areas as suitable for mixed-use development:
• Downtown Mixed-Use—This area includes the City's historic downtown, bordered
by IH-35 on the west,the Union Pacific railway line on the south, and Brushy
Creek on the north and east.A portion of the area extends north of the creek along
Mays Avenue to just north of Palm Valley Boulevard (US-79).While the area is in
transition from its original function as the commercial center of Round Rock and
older residential neighborhoods,the level of mixed-use anticipated in this area is the
least intense of the three areas.The downtown mixed-use area is further defined by
131Page
the Downtown Master Plan.
Some general characteristics of the type of development appropriate in this area are:
a relatively concentrated cluster of low-rise residential and commercial buildings,
reaching no more than three stories in height, and extending across a limited number
of city blocks; buildings constructed in close proximity to sidewalks; an extensive
sidewalk system that is fully integrated and with all points easily accessible by
walking(due to the relatively small size of blocks);and parking located on the street
or in centralized parking lots and multi-level garages.The area north of US-79 and
west of Mays Street is suited for higher intensity development.
• Dell/La Frontera Mixed-Use—The Dell/La Frontera mixed-use area is defined by
the location of the Dell employment campus located near the northeast corner of IH-
35 and SH-45,the area along Greenlawn Boulevard south of SH-45 at the southeast
corner of IH-35 and SH-45,and the La Frontera commercial development located
at the northwest corner of IH-35 and SH-45. Between the Dell facility and IH-35 is
a shopping center dominated by retail and restaurant establishments, but there is no
direct connection between the two areas.The La Frontera development currently
has significant commercial,office, hotel, hospital,and other types of development,
in addition to multi-family dwelling units. However, large portions of the site
remain undeveloped.
Although the La Frontera development has a mixture of uses, it is not pedestrian oriented.
The traffic volumes at this location generated by the two highways and
any future mass transit connection will eventually justify even higher density
development with a large percentage of people living and working at the same
location. Redevelopment is expected to increase the mixed-use potential of the site.
Some general characteristics of the type of development appropriate in this area are:
141 Page
a concentrated cluster of mid-to high-rise residential and commercial buildings,
reaching up to twelve stories in height,and extending across several city blocks;
some buildings that are built to abut sidewalks,with significant setbacks possible,
in conjunction with plazas and open spaces;on-street parking where appropriate,
with the majority of parking requirements accommodated by garages;areas that are
served directly by arterial and collector roadways,with a significant potential for
mass transit; and a moderate percentage of residents who both live and work in the
area.
• Avery Mixed-Use—The Avery mixed-use area is located along A.W.Grimes
Boulevard, south of its intersection with University Boulevard.A potential future
light-rail route or other mass transit route passes through the area to the east of
A.W.Grimes Boulevard.Campuses for Austin Community College,Texas State
University,and the Texas A&M Health Science Center are located adjacent to the
area, as well as Seton Medical Center.Scott&White Hospital is located to the west
along University Boulevard.A public transit loop connecting this area to the multimodal
transit facility currently under construction at the corner of West Main and
Brown Streets should be investigated in order to provide better public access to the
hospitals and higher education facilities in this area.
Although no development of the commercial and residential areas has yet occurred,
the plan for the area proposes the following:a compact cluster of mid-to high-rise
residential and commercial buildings, averaging six or more stories in height,and
extending across several city blocks; buildings that abut sidewalks, and an extensive
sidewalk system that is fully integrated into the development; some on-street
parking,with the vast majority of parking garage-based; arterial roadways and a
mass-transit line that directly serve the area;a high percentage of residents who both
151 Page
live and work in the area.
6)Commercial/Multi-Family
Tracts designated as commercial/multi-family are considered appropriate for a mixture
of commercial and multi-family uses, and therefore must be substantiated by a unified
development plan or located within an area containing an appropriate mixture of land uses.
7)Business Park
The business park land use classification is intended to accommodate, in a campus setting,
a limited group of light industrial, research and development, and administrative facilities
subject to specific development standards. Business park developments are to be located on
land which is well served by the transportation and utility systems.
Some business park developments may be located near residential neighborhoods;therefore,
it is necessary that all activities, including light manufacturing, be carried out in a wholly
enclosed building.All related activities should be carried out in a manner that is not
injurious or offensive to the occupants of surrounding properties.
Within land designated as suitable for business park development, limited commercial
support facilities may be permitted. Examples of support facilities include personal
services,such as daycare centers and health clubs.Other support facilities may include
branch banks and small restaurants.The northeast area has a significant potential for
business park development due to the large amount of open land and its proximity to the
higher education campuses and Seton Medical Center.These new areas will also replace
industrial land under pressure to convert to commercial and office uses in the area south of
University Boulevard between IH-35 and Sunrise Road.
8)Industrial
Land designated for industrial use should accommodate the manufacturing, production,
and processing of consumer goods. Examples of uses permitted in this category include
161 Page
manufacturing and assembly operations,food processing, and warehouse operations.
The Northeast Plan supplement to the City of Round Rock General Plan 2000(i.e.,the
previous version of this Plan)adjusted the expectations for much of the industrial land use
areas along the northern portion of the IH-35 corridor.This adjustment was in response
to changing market conditions and development pressure being placed on this land,
particularly to the east of IH-35.The Northeast Plan supplement resulted in a change in
land use designation from industrial to commercial.This change was part of a reassessment
of the economic base of Round Rock and resulted in significant commercial development
where industrial development had been planned but remained undeveloped for decades.
Industrial development is still desirable and areas designated for that use remain on the
FLUM. However,the business park land use designation,which provides for higher quality
industrial uses, has been expanded in order to accommodate the needs of research and
development and medically-related businesses.
9)Public Facilities
The public facilities land use category applies to government buildings and large
institutions,such as hospitals and medical centers, high schools, and universities.
10)Mining
This land use category applies to all activities that involve land excavation for the purpose
of extracting minerals and similar substances.The land included in this category,all of
which is located in northwest Round Rock along IH-35, represents the long-term mining
activities of Texas Crushed Stone,Co.The City and Texas Crushed Stone,Co. recently
negotiated the formation of a special industrial district that guarantees the company the right
to continue its quarry operations on the property. In exchange,the City annexed 579 acres
for non-mining uses to protect single-family neighborhoods south of FM-1431 from mining
encroachment.
171 Page
Future Land Use Map Policies
Section Theme
Since the designation of future land uses is general in nature, interpretations are required to
determine specific zoning districts appropriate to various locations,and how to amend the
FLUM as necessary.
Discussion
Interpretation Policies
The FLUM designates the proposed general distribution and location of a variety of land
uses, including residential, commercial, business park, industrial, mixed-use, parkland, open
space, and floodplain.
The following policies are recommended to ensure that development is in accordance with
the FLUM to the greatest extent possible:
• The FLUM depicts planned land uses for the community.The map establishes the
general pattern of future land use as appropriate for achieving the community's
goals and objectives.
• The text in this chapter provides a more detailed explanation of the land use
categories depicted on the FLUM and provides location criteria to guide decisions
regarding the zoning of land.
0 The official copy of the FLUM is available for review at the Planning and
Community Development Department.The boundaries of land use categories
represented on the official map should be used to determine the appropriate land use
category.
• In accordance with Section 213.00S of the Texas Local Government Code,
the FLUM contains the following statement in a clearly visible format: "A
comprehensive plan shall not constitute zoning regulations or establish zoning
181 Page
district boundaries."
• Providing a zoning designation to a specific tract of land is inappropriate without
due consideration given to the land use category assigned by the FLUM,and an
analysis of existing transportation facilities and utility infrastructure which serve the
site and abutting uses.
The FLUM is not the City's official zoning map. Rather, it is a guide for decisions
concerning future land use patterns.The FLUM is primarily implemented through zoning
and subdivision ordinances, the construction of new infrastructure,and through other
approved means which fulfill policy objectives,such as programs that establish capital
improvement priorities,area studies,and neighborhood plans.The zoning ordinance text
and map determine where specific development requirements apply to a particular property.
The FLUM is intended to provide an overall framework for guiding the actions of the
different entities responsible for determining the City's future.The FLUM should be
reviewed on a regular basis in order for the City to realize the full benefits of coordinated
development over the long-term. It should also be used as a guide for community
development,which is always broadening and changing in scope.
The following policy is recommended to ensure the integrity of the FLUM:
• Rezoning or other development approvals for land uses not consistent with the
FLUM should not be approved until this Plan has been amended as necessary to
provide for such land uses.
Amendment Policies
Because community planning is a continuous process,the City's Zoning Ordinance includes
a General Plan amendment process.Amendments may be initiated by the City Council
through its own motion or through a proper application or petition submitted by any person,
firm,or corporation.Amendments are typically substantiated by a comprehensive study that takes into
consideration several factors, including but not limited to:
191 Page
• Changing market conditions;
• Changing demographics;
• Changes to the transportation network;
• Availability of utilities;and
• Surrounding land use changes.
Due to the significant review and negotiation typically required to receive a PUD zoning
designation, such a designation may serve as an amendment to the General Plan.
University Avenue and A.W. Grimes Boulevard
Growth Corridor
Section Theme
The University Avenue and A.W.Grimes Boulevard Growth Corridor will accommodate the
majority of new development in the City,and contains many significant developments that
have occurred in Round Rock in recent years.
Discussion
The Corridor is the location of two new major hospitals,Scott&White and Seton, and
several medical office and other support facilities.Additionally,the Corridor includes new
destination retail development, such as IKEA and the Round Rock Premium Outlets.The
presence of this new development and the potential for more development located in this
area has resulted in pressure to rezone surrounding undeveloped industrial land.
The most significant change in the Corridor has been the establishment of three major
higher education facilities:Texas State University,Texas A&M Medical School,and the
flagship campus of Austin Community College.These facilities will encourage substantial
economic diversification, and together with the new healthcare facilities,will provide
unique opportunities for attracting research facilities and associated medical and business
uses to the community.
This recent development in the Corridor is expected to have a large economic and
201 Page
demographic impact on the community. It is anticipated that these changes will require a
broad range of housing types to accommodate a more diverse population.
Existing and Potential Development Priorities
Two major PUDs, i.e.,Avery Centre PUD and University Village PUD, have recently been
adopted by the City Council, reserving nearly 1,200 acres around the university and hospital
areas to provide for a wide range of housing and commercial facilities,as well as for
medical offices and mixed-use developments.The Teravista MUD will continue to provide
a significant number of single-family lots in the corridor.Additionally, a significant amount
of new residential development outside of the Corridor will occur in the Paloma Lake and
Siena MUDS.
Much of the northwest portion of the City east of A.W. Grimes Boulevard is located
primarily in the McNutt Creek Drainage Basin.This area will require significant
extensions of wastewater lines north from the existing McNutt Creek wastewater line. In
addition, much of the area is located in the Jonah Water SLID,which holds a certificate of
convenience and necessity that gives the SUD the sole right to provide water service in that
area.The net effect is that development in the McNutt Creek Drainage Basin will require
significant time and effort to create a servicing scenario to accommodate urban development
including fire flows.The exceptions are the Paloma Lake and Siena MUDS(which are both
located in the McNutt Creek Drainage Basin),which already have water and wastewater
service and can accommodate approximately 4,000 single-family residential lots and a
population of approximately 11,400.
The northeast portion of the City located west of A.W.Grimes Boulevard and north of
Old Settlers Boulevard,as well as parts of the northeast portion located east of A.W.
Grimes Boulevard and CR—122,can be served from wastewater lines in the Chandler
Creek Drainage Basin;these wastewater lines have been sized for future development.
211 Page
Additionally, City water is now available in the area and major improvements to A.W.
Grimes Boulevard are under construction.
The area includes two adopted PUDs, i.e.,Avery Centre and University Village, and also
contains significant acreage to the south of the Avery Centre PUD and north of Old Settlers
Boulevard.The PUDs and adjacent land to the south can accommodate a broad range of
development,which includes a variety of housing, i.e.,single family lots ranging in size
from 5,000 to 20,000 square feet;town homes, multi-family units, assisted living facilities,
and student housing.This housing variety addresses the Strategic Plan's emphasis on the
need to provide a broad range of housing to serve the community's changing demographics.
These areas also include land for commercial and office development as well as for new
urban style mixed-use development. Non-residential uses in the Avery Centre PUD will
total over 1 million square feet.The total area available for development within the
Chandler Creek Drainage Basin,together with the Paloma lake,Teravista,and Siena
MUDS,can accommodate over 70%of the projected growth over the next ten years.
The areas within the Chandler Creek Drainage Basin located immediately to the east
of A.W.Grimes Boulevard, south of the Avery Centre PUD,and north of Old Settlers
Boulevard are well suited for business park development.This location, near both Seton
Medical Center and the three higher education facilities, provides exceptional opportunities
to develop the synergy to support potential research and development and health/science based
businesses.
There are also a variety of other tracts within the Chandler Creek Drainage Basin that could
be effectively served with City water and wastewater with a comparatively minimal amount
of new infrastructure expansion.
Based on the availability of basic infrastructure as well as the location of the medical and
higher education facilities in the northeastern portion of the Chandler Creek Drainage Basin,
221Page
development in the northeast portion of the City should be encouraged in the near future in
the areas of the Chandler Creek Drainage Basin shown in Figure 6.1 below.
Recommendations
1. Encourage mixed-use development as designated on the FLUM through the
development of codes which support mixed-use as well as infrastructure for
increased density.
2. Continue to further develop partnerships with Round Rock's higher education
institutions.
3. Coordinate development standards in order to accommodate research and
development, biotechnology, and technology industries.
4. Resolve utility issues in the ETJ, especially through negotiations with Jonah Water
SUD, in order to provide for the level of development designated on the FLUM.
S. City utility services should be extended proactively in order to encourage the most
efficient development in accordance with the FLUM.
6. Promote development in the portions of the Chandler Creek Drainage Basin
currently served with basic water,wastewater,and transportation infrastructure.
7. Continue the policy of limiting multi-family units to 20%of the housing stock.
This percentage may be exceeded in mixed-and multi-use areas.
231 Page
ROUNUROCK,TEXAS City Council Agenda Summary Sheet
PURPOSE`PAWOR PROSPEM
Agenda Item No. 10C2.
Consider public testimony and an ordinance approving proposed amendments to modify
Chapter 6 (Future Land Use) of General Plan 2020 regarding multi-family location criteria
Agenda Caption: and the General Plan Future Land Use Map amendment policies. (First Reading)
Meeting Date: March 22, 2012
Department: Planning and Development Services
Staff Person making presentation: Peter Wysocki
Planning and Development Services Director
Item Summary:
Attached are proposed amendments to the City's General Plan regarding multi-family location criteria. In addition
there are minor amendments to the introduction of the "Implementation" subsection under which the location
criteria fall and to the Future Land Use Map amendment process. The latter two items are for clarification.
At a special called session on October 27, 2011, the City Council expressed concern over the number of apartment
units in existence, under construction, and planned within the City. The Council directed city staff to evaluate the
state of multi-family housing, compare Round Rock to similar cities in Texas, and create higher standards for future
multi-family development.
Staff reviewed multi-family policies and standards from other Texas cities including Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano,
Sugar Land, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Lakeway, Leander, and Pflugerville. As predicted, there is no "one size fits all"
policy or standard. Some cities are limiting multi-family development through implementation of radically strict
development standards or large distance buffers,while others are maintaining lenient standards.
Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission had a very productive dialogue on the subject at the Commission's
annual work session on December 6, 2011. It was emphasized that the City's current multi-family location criteria in
the General Plan do little to actually guide the development of multi-family complexes, largely defeating the
purpose of having location criteria in the first place. It became clear that updating this part of the General Plan
would be an effective first step toward finding a solution.
Drawing on standards implemented in other Texas cities and applying them to the unique situation in Round Rock,
staff created the amendments and presented them to the Planning and Zoning Commission on February 1, 2012,
and again on February 15, 2012, where they were unanimously recommended for approval. A summary of the new
multi-family location criteria are as follows:
1) Low Density Multi-Family - contains lower density multi-family units that are compatible with abutting and
nearby single-family uses by means of design standards and a density requirement not to exceed 12 units per acre.
—CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE—
ROUNDROCK,TE(AS City Council Agenda Summary Sheet
PURPOSE R010N PROSPEWY
2) Medium Density Multi-Family-separated from single family neighborhoods by minimum 500 feet and from other
medium density and urban multi-family uses by minimum 1/4 mile; density requirement not to exceed 20 units per
acre.
3) Urban Multi-Family - allows for the greatest densities (which will be individually determined via Planned Unit
Development)and mixed uses.
These new location criteria accomplish three primary goals:
1)ensure compatibility where multi-family uses are constructed in close proximity to single-family uses;
2)still allow for the development of large multi-family complexes while preventing clusters of such developments
3) allow for "urban" multi-family developments that may contain much higher densities and also allow mixed uses
on the same tract.
If this proposal is acceptable to the Council, new zoning districts with updated development and design standards
will be created to correspond with the new location criteria.
Note: the language in the attached amendment specifies a 1/4 mile buffer around existing and entitled (zoned)
multi-family parcels, and it is this language that was presented to and recommended for approval by the Planning
and Zoning Commission. Also attached are maps depicting a 1/3 mile buffer and 1/2 mile buffer to illustrate how
different distance requirements alter the amount of land available to be rezoned to medium density multi-family.
Below find a table detailing the acreage of city limit land falling outside of each respective buffer; this is land that
meets the location criteria for each buffer distance. P&Z suggested that Council review the maps and acreage data
and make the final policy decision concerning the buffer distance.
1/4 Mile 1/3 Mile 1/2 Mile
Acres outside all buffers 3,715 2,975 1,714
Vacant acres outside all buffers 1,012 792 444
Acres currently zoned to allow multi-family uses: 1,682 (1,040 vacant).
Finally, a minor update is being added to the Amendment Policies subsection of Chapter 6 (page 6.13). Presently
this section states that General Plan amendments are substantiated by a comprehensive study, but no elaboration is
provided regarding exactly what a comprehensive study entails. This amendment will clarify that ambiguity by
adding a small but non-exclusive list of factors that staff takes into account when considering an amendment.
Cost: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A
Date of Public Hearing(if required): March 22,2012
Recommended Action: Approval